These three famous Irish faces are battling it out over a new RTÉ hosting gig.
The national broadcasting agency is planning a new panel show, similar to the Mock the Week template.
RTÉ are said to be on the hunt for a “skilled comedic anchor.”
Brendan O’Connor, Joanne McNally and Deirdre O’Kane are all said to be in the running for the role.
RTÉ described the programme as a “comedy panel show that will deliver sharp humour and the best comedic talent to Irish audiences”.
A source told The Irish Sun: “The last season of Brendan’s Saturday night chat show was overtaking The Late Late Show before he was cruelly axed to make way for Ray D’Arcy. This would be a great opportunity to get Brendan back on TV.”
“A midweek slot wouldn’t interfere with his popular weekend radio shows. Brendan would be a familiar face.”
Another familiar face who could be in the running is ex-Republic of Telly host Kevin McGahern.
He told the outlet: “I’m delighted RTE are doing something like this.”
“I grew up watching Monday night comedy with The Panel and Don’t Feed the Gondolas. It was great for comedians in Ireland.”
“It made stars of Andrew Maxwell, Neil Delamere, and introduced the population to the best talent on the Irish comedy scene. I can’t wait to see what it does for the next generation.”
When asked if he would like to host the panel show himself, the comedian quipped: “Well I’d never talk myself out of a job.”
RTÉ are said to be “looking for a way to break traditional format expectations with a new approach we haven’t seen before”.
“We are looking for a sense of chemistry between the host, contributors and guests and the ability to create memorable comedic moments.
“The core contributors must be talented entertainers with a variety of comedic styles and abilities.”
A TV insider told the outlet that a London-based presenter would be out of the question.
The source explained: “With an election coming up you really need someone based here. You couldn’t be briefing someone who only drops in a day a week.”
